Southern Illinois News

Village of Niles Public Arts & Culture Advisory Council met Aug. 11.

Here is the minutes provided by the council:

Members Present:

Steve Vinezeano – Niles VFW Post 3579                 Janet Spector Bishop – School District 63

Susan Lempke – Niles-Maine District Library          Carol Luc – Artist

Kathleen Gallegos – Artist/Art Station Studio          Barbara Karawacki – Niles Historical Society

Debi Gajewski – Artist                                              Alicia Bermes – Niles Chamber of Commerce

Members Absent:

John Kosirog – School District 71                            Ed Eubank – School District 207

Lindsey Brubaker – Niles Park District                     Marina Samovsky – Photographer

George Alpogianis – Niles Sister Cities

Village Officials/Staff Present:

Katie Schneider – Community Engagement Coordinator

I. Call to Order:

Chair Lindsey Brubaker was absent. Katie Schneider called the meeting to order electronically via Zoom audio/visual conferencing at 3:07 p.m., in accordance with Governor Pritzker’s Executive Order 2020-07 “Stay-at-Home” directive due to Covid-19 pandemic.

The electronic meeting is open to the public. The public may submit public comments in advance either by email, phone or voicemail. No public comment was submitted in advance of the meeting.

II. Approval of Meeting Minutes

Janet Spector Bishop made a motion to accept the June 8, 2020 meeting minutes as presented. Susan Lempke second the motion, all were in favor. None opposed. Minutes approved. The meeting held on July 13 did not have a quorum, no formal meeting was held.

III. Organization Representative Reports

Janet Spector Bishop (School District 63) – The District 63 school board voted to start in the fall with e-learning and no in-person schooling. They are continuing to work on protocols and dealing with childcare issues for families.

Susan Lempke (Niles-Maine District Library) – The Library is open for limited service in 45 minutes increments, they close every hour to clean and move the current patrons. Virtual programs have significantly increased; some from 50 patrons have risen to 250 patrons. They are planning for resurgence in the fall. Library staff is still staggered so that teams can isolate if there is a positive Covid case and still keep the library open.

Steve Vinezeano (Niles VFW 3579) – Kevin Morrison is the new Commander. An open house is planned for August 29th at their new Caldwell location. Most of the groups focus is getting the new facility open. The bar and video gaming is open and running at the new location.

Carol Luc (Artist) – Triton College will begin classes in the fall with in-person and remote learning options.

Alicia Bermes - (Niles Chamber of Commerce) – The Chamber is holding its annual golf outing, without a traditional dinner, but giving golfers gift cards to local restaurants. They will hold the raffle virtually with gift cards instead of gift baskets, to spur spending at Niles businesses. In-person ribbon cuttings are starting again with all social distancing guidelines. Art in Business is on hold currently. A virtual Night of Roses is scheduled for Oct. 16.

Kathleen Gallegos (Artist/Art Station Studio) – Kathleen just went back to the Shriners Children’s Hospital to teach an art class since Covid-19 started. She is also offering zoom/virtual art classes including a program at the Senior Center. She continues private lessons at the studio.

Barb Karawacki (Niles Historical Society) – The Museum is open again for tours, same hours, masks are required and temperature checks. St. Hedwig’s exhibit is in its final stages and headed for production shortly. They continue to work with the Blase family to move the former mayor’s attorney’s office.

Debi Gajewski (Artist) – Came at the end of the meeting and gave an update on the Niles Artisan Guild. Katie Schneider (Village of Niles) – No update was given.

Katie Schneider did connect with Dr. John Kosirog and Edward Eubank, they both are very busy with changes at their respective schools but hope to be at the upcoming meetings, as time will allow.

Katie Schneider also clarified that after review of the ordinance, the vacant position on the Arts and Culture Council is for a representative from the Niles Sister Cities organization. Since the organization is currently inactive, the position will remain vacant.

IV. Niles Artisan Guild

Carol Luc gave an update and Debi Gajewski came later to the meeting with an update as well. NAG continues live Facebook events to show a different artist works that are for sale. A few items have sold and they have 240 followers. Both remote and in-person meetings have continued.

V. Old Business

a. Niles 2020 Photo Exhibit – Katie and Marina will touch base, the program is currently on hold.

VI. New Business

a. Promoting Art in Town – The council discussed ways to promote art during these unprecedented times. Council members discussed and agreed that we should move forward on replacing the bus benches and creating art on utility boxes around town. This would allow many artists to apply and create something plus it encourages outdoor work and does not conflict with social distancing.

VII. Open Discussion

There was no open discussion.

VIII. Public Comment

There was no public comment.

IX. Next Meeting

The Council agreed to try the second Tuesday of the month (instead of the second Monday). Hopefully with this schedule change, we will better accommodate members’ schedules. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. and held virtually. Katie will update calendar invites.

X. Adjournment

Janet Spectator Bishop made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 3:38 p.m. Carol Luc second the motion, all were in favor. Meeting adjourned.

https://www.vniles.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08112020-1966